China sacks ‘missing’ defence minister, appoints new fin min

China has removed General Li Shangfu as defense minister without providing an explanation. This is the second leadership shake-up in three months, following the removal of ex-foreign minister Qin Gang from the State Council. Li, who has not been seen in public since August, is the second minister to be abruptly removed since President Xi Jinping began his third term. The reason for Qin’s removal is also unknown. Li’s removal comes ahead of a regional security forum and raises questions about further shake-ups in the military.